AC dose dense for elderly

FTNBC_1980

Has anyone gone through this regimen that’s 70+? Had first infusion along with Keytruda on Monday, and began feeling awful the same evening. Horrible nausea, fatigue, even with the meds. Difficult to drink and eat since it all makes me want to hurl. I’m also getting puffy, swollen around the face and extremities.

I’m worried this chemo course is too harsh for someone my age, but my oncologist said it’s the gold standard and my health should be able to handle it. Just looking for anyone else that’s gone through this at my age.

Thank you for readjng

MinusTwo

FT - you need to call your doc and get some different meds for nausea. There are several. And discuss what sounds like may be water retention.

Fatigue - well just make up your mind to nap & sleep. OF course it depends on what other health issues you have, but otherwise I don't think your age is a problem. At 69 & 70, I went through 6 rounds of TCHP, a 2nd surgery, 3 rounds of AC, 5 weeks radiation & Herceptin for the rest of a year. Yes, I lost my hair and 60 lbs that I didn't really need to lose, but I drove myself to chemo every time & rads every day and still worked part time. 77 now and doing great.

FTNBC_1980

Thanks for replying. I’ll talk to my doc about different meds, currently on zofran and Reglan but I don’t feel they’re working too well. Great to hear you’re doing well!

MinusTwo

Back when I was going through this, Emend was the 'new kid on the block' and supposed to take care of any nausea. It was expensive but I got a discount. And then never used it.

FTNBC_1980

I’ll check that out! Thank you again.

I’m feeling a bit more like myself today after a walk. Although I have a slight fever, 99 degrees but have a little more appetite Hoping to be turning the corner.

MinusTwo

FT - It often takes a week to feel better. I also asked for a bag of saline as extra hydration in between the 3 week chemo treatments. That kept me from getting dehydrated. Mainly - just plan to do nothing for the first couple of days and make sure you have easy food prepared ahead. I drank a lot of Instant Breakfast with Beneprotein added (a Nestles product that MD Anderson recommends). I had treatments on Thursdays. By Mondays I felt like I had turned the corner.